On The Fence about Buying a Pipe

Have you ever found yourself sitting in a cigar shop, enjoying your favorite cigar, and suddenly feeling like the odd man out? I found myself in that situation recently and it probably wasn’t for the reason you would expect.

You see, the Gilbertsville Cigar Factory recently expanded into new territory by introducing Pipes and Pipe Tobacco to its quickly growing repertoire. On a personal note – I expected the shop to do okay with the new addition but I had no idea it would take off like it did.

There I was, relaxing in the lounge, smoking a Tabernacle by Foundation Cigars, when suddenly I was in the minority. Everyone around me had pulled out their pipes and began to fill the room with a wonderful aroma.

Of the eight people in the room, only two of us were puffing on cigars. Peer pressure began to set in as the guys all started in on me… C’mon Walt, buy a pipe – All the cool kids are doing it!

Several years ago, when Kensington Tobacconist closed, the owner was kind enough to gift me an inexpensive Pipe and a small supply of tobacco to get started. I had a hell of a time learning to pack the pipe and found the smoke to be rather dry. After countless failed attempts with my pipe, I decided that it wasn’t for me and gave my things to a friend that wanted to give it a go.

Over the past few weeks, Pipes have become quite popular in a shop that was exclusively cigars for years. I’m currently on the fence – leaning towards picking up a pipe and a tin of tobacco. I’d love to get some feedback on the subject.

Do you have a favorite Pipe Tobacco that you would recommend? Are there any pros or cons to one pipe shape versus another?

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4 Comments

Cigar smokers are funny when they start smoking pipes. They’d never smoke a flavored cigar but they’ll smoke an aromatic pipe baccy. I prefer burley based blends or VaPers. They tend to have more body to the smoke and flavors somewhat closer to a cigar.

I say give it another try. I’ve been a pipe and cigar smoker for many years and enjoy both. I find pipes to be a bit more economical on a per smoke basis. It takes a bit of practice to get the pipe filled properly and as an initial piece of advice try to get it filled and tamped so that the draw is roughly like that of a good cigar. Pick a good tobacco and puff slowly. I like the Mac Baron tobaccos with Mac Baron Mixture being a good standby but try a lot of them and see what sticks. The more aromatic ones tend to burn hotter. Enjoy.

Ive smoked cigars for 10years and still and always will love a great smoke. Wineador is stuffed, but recently picked up a pipe 2 years ago. Definitely an adjustment period but now I appreciate and love both equally. Pipes have a form of art in the woodwork and grain. I also find my fascination with tobacco is explored at a much more level I appreciate a bit more. I can taste Virginia burley original Perique and Latakia tobacco much more easily than i can differentiate a Habano Maduro vs sun grown Maduro or broadleaf Maduro. Still love both, but I can appreciate cigars more now that I enjoy a pipe. If that makes any sense. It will take dedication but it’s worthwhile for a tobacco enthusiast. Also the rhythmic cadence to keep a pipe lit, the variety of pipes and tobaccos keep the hobby exponentially more fascinating. The range of flavors from unadulterated non aromatic tobaccos will most likely peak your interest most.

I was never a big fan of flavored or aromatic pipe tobacco. I do not care for flavored cigars either. I inherited cheap Graybo pipe from my Dad and sometimes pack it with scrap cigar tobacco. Makes a nice short smoke in cold weather, but I still prefer cigars.